Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Jim McGovern Excerpts
Wednesday 26th June 2013

(10 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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The Secretary of State was asked—
Jim McGovern Portrait Jim McGovern (Dundee West) (Lab)
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1. What recent discussions he has had with Ministers in the Scottish Government on blacklisting in Scotland.

David Mundell Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)
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I regularly meet Scottish Government Ministers to discuss a wide range of issues. I commend the work of the Scottish Affairs Committee on investigating the deplorable activity of blacklisting. The Committee’s final report will be given careful consideration by the Government when it is published.

Jim McGovern Portrait Jim McGovern
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I thank the Minister for his response. Perhaps the most ridiculous case of blacklisting that I am aware of is that of the late great Dundonian, Mr Syd Scroggie. He lost a leg and the sight in both his eyes serving his country during the second world war. He found himself on a blacklist. What was his crime? He had written to The Scotsman newspaper to commend the then Dundee district council for buying a portrait of Nelson Mandela. Will the Minister liaise with the Scottish Government to ensure that the odious practice of blacklisting is wiped out?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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When the Scottish Affairs Committee report is published, I will undertake to discuss its recommendations with the appropriate Scottish Government Ministers.